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SSnorkelling offers a chance for people to get up close and person with sealife, coral and other squishy things that wriggle and blow bubbles in the breathtaking coastlines of South Africa. Even the smallest tidal pool can prove amazing for a bout of snorkelling, but if you want the very best in underwater viewing, these are our top spots for snorkelling in Southern Africa.
Sodwana Bay
Sodwana Bay offers one of the best snorkelling areas in the world. For a grand variety of sealife, tropical reefs and shipwrecks, this is the place you want to be.
Did You Know?
SSnorkelling has many health benefits including joint mobility, improves breathing and cardiovascular health.
AAliwal Shoal
Aliwal Shoal is on the South Coast of KwaZulu Natal and is known for sightings of sharks, cold water fish and reef fish. This stretch of water is home to an array of sponges, soft and hard corals, and a shipwreck dive.
Maputaland
In Maputaland, KwaZulu-Natal, Cape Vidal near Saint Lucia village is ideal for sheltered snorkelling at low tide. Kosi Bay Nature Reserve, at the mouth of the Kosi Lakes on the Mozambique border, offers a lovely snorkelling spot.
Protea Banks
Protea Banks is just off Shelly Beach, south of Port Shepstone. Catch a glimpse of the Zambezi tiger and hammerhead sharks in summer as well as ragged tooth sharks in winter.
Knysna
Knysna allows for great dive and snorkel spots. Coney Glen offers great rock pools for snorkelling fun in the sun. Knysna is home to the rare Knysna Seahorse which is both rare and beautiful, but if you have a little patience and careful eye, you could spot one. Make sure your underwater camera ready if you do spot one of these rare creatures.
PPlettenberg Bay
Plettenberg Bay along the Garden Route has plenty of invertebrates, like sponges, anemones and nudibranchs. These organisms offer a brilliant array of colours for a dose of fun underwater discovery.
Tsitsikamma Marine Park
Storms River at Tsitsikamma Marine Park is snorkelling heaven with rare marine animals. Just be careful of rough waters.
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